Written by: Rev Dirk Gevers
Article source: JOY! Magazine
Celebrating a bicentenary is an extraordinary privilege – it attests to longevity amid trials and setbacks. In gratitude, we praise God that the Bible Society of South Africa has the incredible privilege of celebrating 200 years of Bible work in South Africa.
Where it all began
The story of Bible work in our context started without much fanfare. Centuries ago, a young woman from Wales ventured out on a difficult journey to obtain a Bible. It sparked what is today an international community with the Bible at its heart. The Bible Society of South Africa is part of this Fellowship, the United Bible Societies. Bible work to meet the needs of South Africans began at a meeting at Government House on 23 August 1820. The years rolled by and colporteurs took the Bible into the interior; where hearts were transformed and the message of the Bible spread. We remain committed to spreading the Word of God to South Africans in every language and from every background.
The pillars of Bible Society
Today, the translation, production, and distribution of the Bible remain pillars of the Bible Society of South Africa’s work. Thus far, we have translated the Bible into all 11 official languages and are working on other translations so that everyone can hear God speak to them in their heart language. It is the task of the Bible Society to provide affordable Bibles for everyone in their own language and in suitable formats so that all may experience the life-giving message of the Word. True to our mission, South Africans from all walks of life are able to access the Bible in various formats to meet their specific needs. There are Bibles in braille, audio, and more. Last year we launched the Bible for the Deaf in English. We continue to adapt and innovate. We have Bibles available for cellphone users and also on our online platform, BibleSA. We are committed to innovative ways of serving the churches and this year, churches have designated 2020 as the Year of the Bible. Since 1950, when detailed records started to be kept, we have distributed more than 44 million Bibles.
The Bible needs to shape every aspect of the work that we do and now, more than ever, we need to live in hope for the future.
2 Million Bibles project
Various projects are used to meet the needs and facilitate the distribution of Bibles to those in need – the poor, prisoners, scholars, and others. The 2 Million Bibles project was initiated as part of our bicentennial celebrations. Through this project, the Bible Society aims to make two million Bibles and two million sets of Bible-based literacy booklets available to South Africans who need it.
Bible Society CEO, Rev Dirk Gevers
The heart of our ministry
Our CEO, Rev Dirk Gevers, is a minister of the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa, seconded to the Bible Society, and a dedicated family man. He has been at the helm of the Bible Society since 2014 and was formerly a Regional Head in KwaZulu-Natal for many years prior to assuming his current role. He truly believes that the Bible needs to shape every aspect of the work that we do and that now, more than ever, we need to live in hope for the future. In fact, the theme of our bicentenary is The Bible: Hope for all. We have been fortunate to be part of what has been a remarkable story of hope sustained, and hope shared, through God’s Word! And to be sure, we pray that the story continues. Ultimately, we do not just help to distribute any book, we distribute the living Word of God that gives countless people hope. South Africa and, indeed, the international community are staggering under the burden of the many challenges we face and the Bible is there to guide and give hope in trying times.
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Date published: 10/05/2020
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